by Summer Kelley
Five children marched around a wooden poll, their hands forming make-shift horns on their mouths. About 55 other children watched the 5 in front of them. After completing 7 times around the poll, the 5 children ran out the door.
Laughing, they collapsed into the grass as the spectators laughed gleefully with them.
Five Bible Club participants demonstrate the story of the Battle of Jericho, marching around the poll 7 times.
They were in Kyaggwe, Uganda, outside Kampala in a church building on the land owned by ITMI's International School of Missions (ISM). Soki Kawede, the daughter of ITMI partner and founder of ISM, Muhindo Kawede, has a burden for the many children without access to education.
Soki was able to do something about it, thanks to the resources available through ITMI's International School of Missions, as well as the school's priority on reaching out to the community and using its resources for mission.
ITMI partner, Muhindo Kawede.
ISM Facility and land.
She was in her own words, "so excited" to be able to provide a Bible Club for more than 60 children.
The children who came to Soki's Bible Club were learning about the time God displayed His power and authority on behalf of the Israelites by going ahead of them in the Battle of Jericho.
Soki taught them that God is powerful and that they can trust in Him in their lives.
After acting out the story, the children loved each getting to color their own picture. Something as simple as sharing crayons - a highly valued commodity - gave the children a sense of togetherness.
Bible Club Kids excited to learn about God's Word.
"God is powerful. You can trust Him."
Coloring...what a priviledge!
More than 60 children heard from God's Word.
God's Word brings joy.
Soki is the daughter of a missionary pastor in Africa. She doesn't have a lot of resources. She can't provide a full education for even one underprivileged child.
But she used what she has - an education, access to the ISM resources, and a passion to teach from God's Word - to bless others around her. Her contribution might seem small in the face of such a large social problem, but its making a big impact.
Summer Kelley is a writer living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. She’s a homeschooling mom and a T-shirt and jeans aficionado who likes all things simple. When she’s not writing or homeschooling, you can find her honing her skills as what some might call a "suburban survivalist" as she learns to thrive in the suburbs with 3 kids. As a productivity and organizing enthusiast, she may or may not spend hours attempting to use technology to "save time.” Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic from the fountain.